LNG ferry refits to be done in Poland

After the only B.C. shipyard in the bidding withdrew, BC Ferries has contracted with Remontowa Ship Repair Yard in Poland for $140 million to upgrade its two Spirit-class ferries.

Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyard dropped out after being chosen as one of the three shortlisted bidders. Remontowa, one of Europe’s largest shipyards, is also building three smaller Salish-class ferries to replace aging vessels on the Comox-Powell River and Southern Gulf Islands runs.

Like the new Salish-class ships, the Spirit of British Columbia and the Spirit of Vancouver Island are to be converted to dual-fuel, allowing them to switch from diesel to liquefied natural gas.

The Spirit-class conversions are to begin next year and be completed in 2019.